Campaign grows: Residents from Tylers Green protest at a possible mobile phone mast at the local telephone exchange

More join the towering protest against masts

A PROTEST has been launched against a mobile phone firm's plans for a 15-metre-high tower in a residential area.

Residents in Tylers Green are the latest group to launch a campaign against plans by a mobile telephone company to construct a mast near their homes.

They claim Mercury Per- sonal Communications' plans to build the tower behind Tylers Green Telephone Exchange at The Pines will be a health risk and an eyesore.

Campaigner Grace Styles of Russell Close, Tylers Green, said: "Residents are outraged that yet another of these monster towers should even be considered. They are an absolute eyesore and a blot on the landscape.

"We are walking into the unknown as regards to health risks but the parents are very concerned for their children."

The company submitted the plans, which also include a three-cross polar antennae, two dish antennae and one radio equipment housing, to Wycombe District Council on February 22.

Campaigners have gathered a petition of more than 200 signatures and sent out letters to neighbours.

Seventeen new houses are being built on St John's Industrial Estate which is close to the planned site.

Fleur White, of The Pines, Tylers Green, said: "There will be houses on three sides of this pole and it will be right in the middle of a residential area."

Residents have until March 18 to send their letters and petition to Wycombe District Council.

Planning regulations stipulate that operators are allowed to put up structures under 15 metres high without planning consent.

Jill Smith, spokesman for Mercury Personal Communications Ltd, said: "We have Government permission to put up this tower but we feel it would be better to go through the proper procedure and communicate with residents."

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